The Christmas Star

One day a couple of weeks ago I was listening to some Christmas music, and a song came on that talked about the star above Bethlehem. I do not remember which song it was, because a lot of songs talk about that same thing. But it made me think about that star.
You guys probably know all of this stuff that I'm going to write about today, but it was an epiphany for me. Before this I did not really know why people cared about this star so much. Yeah, I was glad that it was there, because it showed people where Jesus was. Other than that  it didn't really matter to me.
Here's what I learned:
That star was visible to everybody. But not everybody who saw it realized its significance.
Christ shows us the way to salvation through himself, as that star led people to him.
Christ gives the world spiritual light, just as that star shining so brightly provided physical light.
Christ provides direction in our life. When we are confronted with different options, all claiming to give us happiness, he shows us what to choose. This star showed these wise men that the way to eternal happiness didn't lie with their gold and riches. He laid in a stable in Bethlehem.

"O Star of wonder, star of light
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light."
-We Three Kings of Orient Are

Elaini Garfield- Fundraising for Orphans in India

Hey everybody, I'm trying to raise money to donate to orphans in India. I am working with Elaini Garfield, who you can learn more about here:
http://therebelution.com/blog/2013/11/misselainious-help-me-reach-100k-for-orphans-in-india/#.Uq_qWvRDuSp

This is a really great opportunity.

Here's what she says about it:
"I partner with Warm Blankets Orphan Care.  Warm Blankets is a non-profit Christian mission, dedicated to the rescue and care of orphans and widows in developing nations. There, children are raised, not in cold institutions, but in loving church orphan homes.  The children become a part of a nurturing family environment where special care is given to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. It is a safe haven.

All contributions go directly to helping the orphans in India and every donation is tax deductible.  Devastated by war, disease, natural disaster or political turmoil, these children receive medical help, protection from trafficking and are given a future and a hope through educational opportunities. The children attend private school with their peers and are taught skills that will enable them to become productive citizens. ESL programs and computer training are just a portion of the instruction that equips the children with skills to further the economic progress in their native countries.  From orphaned or abandoned, to an educated and discipled participant in society, each child learns that they were created with a purpose, hope, and future."

I would so appreciate any donations. If you would like to donate, you can either donate directly to her or give me the money so I can give it to her.

Here's a Facebook page for this:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/India-Fundraising-2013/538240639587655

Words and Music

When somebody says something in words, it is generally difficult to dispute what they mean to say. Words have an objective meaning, so even though there are many different nuances to most things people say, there are not, compared to music, a lot of meanings. Music, though, is different. When you hear a song, there are so many different ways to hear it. The way it was meant to be heard might not be the way a hearer interprets it. It can speak to people in completely different ways depending on experiences, personality, and current mood. When combined, these are beautiful. When the words people choose to complement their music fits perfectly, it is something to be wondered at and respected. And when the words and music are both uplifting, it is truly sublime.